Byzantine Bronze Enkolpion Reliquary Cross

A complete Byzantine bronze reliquary cross, known as enkolpion, featuring a hinged base and a barrel-shaped suspension loop at the top. The cross is formed of two halves, decorated with images typical of Christian iconography. On one side, the piece depicts a crucified Christ between the small figures of the Virgin and St. John; his arms are outstretched upon the cross and a halo shines around his drooping head. He wears a collobium (a sleeveless or short-sleeved garment) with two clavi (bands), an iconographic type established in the early Christian centuries. An inscription is carved beneath each outstretched arm. Written in abbreviated Greek, it reads: ΙΔΕΟΥCCΟΥ, ΙΔOΥCΜΗΡCΟΥ (IDEOUSSOU, IDOUSMETERSOU), translating to “Behold your son, Behold your mother”. Above his head, a tablet with a central X-design has been executed in low relief, together with a sun disc and a crescent moon. The reverse side depicts a stylised portrait of the Virgin Mary in the orant prayer pose. She is surrounded by the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, identified by their initials carved in Greek next to their roundels.

Please note that the stand is for reference only.